This in turn has rattled global investors who fear a burst of inflation, along with potential interest rate hikes, could deal a blow to global economic recovery.

"If oil stays in a $100-$120 per barrel range for around half a year the global economy could see a severe slowdown, pushing investors away from stocks, so everything depends on the Middle East now", said Koichi Ogawa, chief portfolio manager at Daiwa SB Investments.

Despite the concerns, however, equities have remained resilient during the period.

MSCI's all-country world stock index is still up 3.6 percent for the year to date and within reasonable range of new 30-month highs.

EURO PAUSES

The euro slipped against the dollar, pausing from a rally prompted by expectations that euro zone interest rates will be raised as early as next month.

The Swiss franc, which has strengthened as a safe haven recently, slid after the statement from Kuwait's oil minister.

The dollar was up 0.2 percent against a basket of major currencies, including the euro and Swiss franc.

Some analysts say that with an ECB rate rise in April largely priced in and indications that currency speculators have ramped up their long euro positions, the euro is ripe for a short-term correction.

Bund futures opened little changed with focus on an upcoming Portuguese bond auction likely to keep pressure on the euro zone's lower-rated states.

Portuguese bond yields hit a euro-era high in the previous session and Greek debt suffered after its credit rating was slashed.

"The periphery had a good wobble yesterday so we may see more of the same ... Portugal can't be far off asking for help," a trader said.